Finish What You Started: Online Degree Completion Programs

Rob Thomas '24, Bachelor of Arts in General Studies

Online degree completion programs are designed to help students who have existing college credits finish a degree remotely. But how do you choose one?

"As a returning adult learner, consider factors like flexibility, transfer credit opportunities, cost, student support services and programs that align with your career goals," said Kristen Caballero, an admission counselor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) who has worked with hundreds of students during her time at the university.

She suggested researching accreditation and asking questions when choosing a program. "A quality school will be transparent, help you make an informed decision and provide the support you need to move forward with confidence," she said.

Schedule: What Works With Your Life?

Online colleges aren't all alike — some have set class times, and others have an asynchronous schedule.

If you're looking for flexibility, it could make sense to consider an asynchronous online program, like SNHU's, where you can complete your assignments whenever it makes sense for you while adhering to weekly deadlines. This structure can be especially valuable for working adults and those with busy schedules.

Christine Viera '21 was already working in her field when she decided to finish her bachelor's in marketing with a concentration in social media marketing at SNHU. "I have worked in the marketing field for a few years and wanted to get a degree to help me reach my career goals," she said.

She noted that the school's online format allowed her to stay on track as she earned her degree while working and caring for family.

"When I had to travel, for example, logging in and doing my classwork was easy, whereas I would have missed deadlines or classes if I had to actually attend (scheduled classes)," Viera said. "For a busy professional, this was ideal."

Read more: Picture an Online Degree at Your Own Pace

Transfer-friendliness: Will Your Credits Be Accepted?

A transfer-friendly school will allow you to transfer as many of your existing college credits into your new program as possible. For instance, SNHU accepts:

• Up to 45 out of the 60 required credits to graduate with an associate degree
• Up to 90 of the 120 credits required to graduate with a bachelor's degree

That means you could have 75% of your program finished when you enroll, depending on your educational history.

Viera had already earned an associate degree more than two decades before starting her bachelor's at SNHU and said almost all of those credits transferred into her bachelor's program. "I could really return to college and not need to retake several classes that I had taken previously," she said.

So, what's the fastest degree that you can get online? For many students, it's one that's transfer-friendly.

Degree Level: Associate vs. Bachelor’s

You'll also want to think about whether it makes sense to use your existing credits to earn an associate degree or a bachelor's degree.

"In some situations, earning an associate degree first can be a strategic choice," said Dr. Pamela Varhol, a senior associate dean of health programs at SNHU who has over 15 years of experience in higher education.

An associate degree can be a building block to stack into a bachelor's and qualify you for entry-level positions faster. It's important to note, however, that a bachelor's degree may be required for entry-level roles in some fields.

"Whether a student should apply transfer credits toward an associate degree or directly toward a bachelor's degree is a personal decision that should be based on their educational goals, career aspirations and the requirements of their intended profession," Varhol said.

Read more: Associate Degree vs. Bachelor's Degree: What's the Difference?

Program of Study: Choose a Major

If you want to finish your degree quickly, you may wish to consider a program in which you have existing credits. However, it's important to consider the big picture, according to Varhol.

"Choosing a major as a returning college student is an important decision that should be approached thoughtfully and strategically," she said. "Rather than focusing solely on completing a degree as quickly as possible, it is helpful to consider how the program aligns with your interests, strengths, career goals and long-term plans."

You can also choose from dozens of online bachelor's programs in business, design, health, liberal arts, social sciences and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects. Here are a few degrees to consider in each of those 6 categories:

Business Programs

• Business administration
• Finance
• Human resources

Discover more business degree options.

Design Programs

• Digital photography
• Game design and development
• Graphic design and media arts

Find out about online design degrees.

Health Programs

• Healthcare administration
• Nursing
• Public health

Learn about health degree programs.

Liberal Arts Programs

• Communication
• Creative writing
• History

Explore liberal arts degree programs.

Social Sciences Programs

• Criminal justice
• Human services
• Psychology

Find out about social sciences degree options.

STEM Programs

• Computer science
• Cybersecurity
• Environmental science

Discover online STEM programs.

Is a General Studies Degree Right for You?

For some, a general studies degree might be the quickest bachelor's degree to get through an online degree completion program. It may be an especially transfer-friendly option for students with existing credits in multiple subjects or from multiple institutions, according to Caballero.

When Rob Thomas '24 started at SNHU, he said he was able to transfer credits from his military training. Opting for a general studies major then allowed him to take courses that he felt would benefit him in his career.

"I chose a degree in general studies because I wanted to focus in on leadership courses that SNHU had to offer,” said Thomas, who was working in operations management and serving as an observer coach/trainer in the U.S. Army Reserve while earning his degree.

Read more: What is a General Studies Degree?

Student Support: Who Can You Turn To?

If you weren't successful the first time you were in college, you might wish to choose a school that offers student support for returning learners.

Some schools offer services like:

• Academic advising
• Career counseling
• Financial counseling
• Mental health services
• Tutoring and academic support

When she decided to finish her bachelor's in public health at SNHU, Andrinna Broadnax '25 said she was nervous about taking classes online for the first time. But her academic advisor was there to help.

"Anytime I had a question, anytime I just needed that extra push or some guidance and some understanding, I would call," she said.

As the primary point of contact for online students, Broadnax said the academic advising team also connected her with any other support she needed. "They will lead you to the right place or the right people, and they never, never leave you stranded," Broadnax said. "I love, love, love advising."

Getting Started: Now What? 

You can begin your credit transfer journey at SNHU right now by following these three easy steps:

1. Complete the free 5-minute online application. There’s no obligation after filling it out.
2. Get your transcripts requested — for free. Chat with an admission counselor to have your transcripts requested on your behalf.
3. Receive your free evaluation. Soon after all your transcripts are in, you'll get your official evaluation. It will show you what was transferred in — and what classes you need to complete.

"Returning to school can feel overwhelming, but remember, you're not starting over," Caballero said. "You're building on everything you've already accomplished and moving one step closer to the future you want for yourself."

Mars Girolimon '21 '23G is a staff writer at Southern New Hampshire University where they earned their bachelor’s and master’s, both in English and creative writing. In addition to their work in higher education, Girolimon’s short fiction is published in the North American Review, So It Goes by The Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, X-R-A-Y and more. Connect with them on LinkedIn.